October 06, 2017

Time For a New Project, S'Mores

I've been diligently plugging away at my Triangle Gatherings and Moda BlockHeads Sew Alongs, but truth be told, am getting a teensy bit bored with them. I only have a handful of blocks left for Triangle Gatherings, and just need to get them made so I can sew the rows together and get the blocks off my design wall.

After seeing a super pretty quilt on Instagram, I was inspired to pull some fabrics and start a new project. The pattern is called S'Mores, designed by Jo Morton and put out by All People Quilt/American Patchwork and Quilting. You can order the pdf file for $5.99. The block is a simple square in a square block that finishes at 4 1/2 inches. I am veering away from the pattern instructions greatly, so for me, the pictured pattern was just an inspirational stepping off point.

I pulled pretty browns, reds and creams for my blocks, and got my fabric cut out last weekend. The Creative Grids Square on Square trim tool is wonderful to work with, and those tricky square in a square blocks are coming out great. When you are trimming your block down, you need to cut your pieces a skosh bigger than the pattern calls for. For my blocks I cut my center square 2 1/2", then the first round of cream fabric is two 3" squares cut in half once diagonally. My second round of dark fabric is two 3 1/2" squares cut in half once diagonally. As you see in the photo below, you trim the block down after each round of triangles is sewn on and end up with exactly the right size to make the block.

The trim tool has squares marked on it so you can line your center square up with the lines to trim after each round.

Perfect. Sew your next round of triangles on, line your block up with the next larger square, and trim again.

I am loving this ruler and my blocks are as cute as can be. I have always found the Square in Square block to be problematic. It never comes out right unless you make it larger and trim it down. I love the block, but it can be fiddly to make. This ruler is the answer to my prayers.

This is second Square in Square quilt I have made this year. I finished Penny Pincher back in February, some of you may recall.

I had fun making Penny Pincher, but was struggling with two different trim rulers in an effort to get the blocks to come out right. They did in the end, but gosh, I sure wish I had had the Creative Grids Square on Square trim tool back then! Things would have gone a lot faster. The ruler comes in the 8 inch size, as well as a 6 inch. Depending on how many rounds you put around the center square, you can make a lot of different sized blocks. I recommend it!

Comments

I saw the same quilt a couple of years ago in the American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine and horded the lattice fabric just waiting to make! You can still get the pattern. I found it at the following link https://www.apqshop.com/s-mores. Hope this helps anyone looking to make the same fabulous quilt!

thank you so much for the details on your piecing and squaring up with the ruler. this quilt is on my list near the top! I am trying to get some UFOs out of my life before I start yet another project. So much to do, so little time! In truth, I do have time I just need to learn how to finish before starting another!

Thanks for the directions and info about the ruler. I saw the same photos in my Instagram feed and was thinking about putting this quilt on my list. I'll definitely do it, just have to decide which set of scraps and what background to use for the sashing.

Another luscious quilt, Nicole! I'm seriously considering that ruler. It's our Canadian Thanksgiving up here this weekend, and I'll be at a hockey rink three hours away for two days. No sewing for me this weekend!! Have a good one, Nicole.

Thanks for the recommendation for the Creative Grids ruler, Nicole. I kind of hesitate about making a pattern with a square in a square, because, try as I might, my blocks don't always come out precisely. I'll definitely give this ruler a try!

I made this after seeing it in the magazine. A group of my quilter friends and I did an exchange of blocks. Sure helped get it done quicker. Wish I would have had the ruler back then. This will be beautiful!